The short answer
In detox, medical staff assess your loved one, help them through withdrawal safely and plan what comes next. It usually takes several days to about a week. Staff may use medications to ease symptoms and watch for complications.
Detox is a medical first step, not the whole treatment. For more on who needs it and how to choose a program, see our detox guide. To see how it fits with treatment, read detox vs rehab.
The three parts of detox
1. Assessment
Detox starts with questions and a medical check. Staff ask what your loved one uses, how much, how often and when they last used. They ask about health conditions, medications, mental health and any past withdrawal. They may run lab tests, and they will check vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse.
Honesty helps here. The care team can only plan around what they know, and they ask so they can keep the person safe.
2. Stabilization
This is the part most people mean when they say detox. Staff manage withdrawal with medications and support, check on the person regularly and adjust care as symptoms change. People usually rest a lot, and staff encourage fluids and food.
How it feels depends on the substance. These are general patterns, and every person is different:
- Alcohol. Shaking, sweating, anxiety and trouble sleeping can start within hours of the last drink. Severe withdrawal can cause seizures or delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency. See our alcohol treatment guide.
- Opioids and fentanyl. Flu-like aches, stomach upset, sleeplessness and strong cravings. Buprenorphine or methadone can ease withdrawal and are often continued as medication-assisted treatment. See our fentanyl and opioid guide.
- Benzodiazepines. These should be tapered slowly under medical care, because stopping suddenly can cause seizures. See our benzodiazepine guide.
3. Planning the next step
Good detox programs start this early. A counselor or case manager talks with your loved one about the right level of care and helps arrange it. This matters, because the days right after detox are a risky time. Tolerance drops, so using the old amount can lead to overdose.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with a doctor before making any change to medications or substance use.
What the days are often like
What your loved one may experience
- Feeling sick, tired or restless, then slowly better
- Poor sleep and mood swings
- Regular checks from nurses and other staff
- Rest first, then short talks with a counselor
What you may experience as family
- Limited contact, especially in the first days
- Staff who can’t share details without written consent
- A call asking you to bring items or help with a ride
- Relief, worry and exhaustion, sometimes all at once
Don’t try to manage alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal at home without medical advice. If someone has a seizure, is confused or sees things that aren’t there, call 911.
Before detox starts
Call and describe the use
Tell the program what your loved one uses and for how long. It can tell you whether it is the right setting.
Check coverage
Call the plan and ask about prior approval. Our insurance verification questions list what to ask.
Gather what they need
Bring ID, the insurance card and a list of medications. See what to pack for rehab.
Going in today?
Here are the practical steps if your loved one is ready now.
Detox centers near Jacksonville
Free listings, checked against Florida DCF. Sponsored listings are always labeled.
Gateway Community Services
555 Stockton St, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Outpatient Detox
8613 Old Kings Rd S, Suite 100, Jacksonville
Lakeview Health
3227 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville
Serenus Outpatient Detox
11555 Central Pkwy, Suite 202, Jacksonville
Stepping Stone Center for Recovery
1815 Corporate Square Blvd, Suite 100, Jacksonville
Tides Edge Detox Center
1597 The Greens Way, Jacksonville Beach
Questions about what happens in detox
Does detox hurt?
It can be very uncomfortable, but medical care can ease many symptoms. How hard it is depends on the substance, the amount and the person’s health. Ask the program how it manages comfort.
Can I visit during detox?
It depends on the program. Many limit contact in the first days so the person can rest and stabilize. Ask about phone and visiting rules before admission. Our page on family programs and visiting has more.
Will they be sedated the whole time?
Generally no. Some medications can cause drowsiness, and people often sleep a lot, but staff need to be able to check on them. Ask which medications the program uses and why.
Can someone leave detox early?
An adult in voluntary care can usually choose to leave, though staff will try to talk through the risks. Leaving early can be dangerous, especially with alcohol or benzodiazepines. If you are worried, tell staff right away.
How long will detox take?
Usually several days to about a week, and a slow taper can take longer. Our page on how long rehab lasts shows the bigger picture. You can find more rehab questions on our main answers page.